Living Famous (Emerson Series #2)

1.

Dove Cameron as Raelinn Emerson

"You can't change what has happened, but you can build a new beginning, one choice at a time." — Craig Williams

Song: So Good by Dove Cameron

~

Waking up in chilly Denver, Colorado, instead of hot Dallas, Texas, is definitely an adjustment. I was born and raised in Dallas, but my dad, who is an football player for the NFL, was traded to the Denver Broncos this year. Maybe I'll finally be able to make friends that aren't just using me to get to my dad.

#22 Ryder Emerson.

With a sigh, I push myself out of my bed, and set my feet on the hardwood below. My feet quickly retract back to my bed. I always forget how cold the floors are in the morning. I finally get myself out of bed, and walk over to my walk-in closet. I decide on my outfit for the day, which is my first day of my Senior year of high school.

I choose a three quarters length sleeved, black and white striped shirt, with a black high-waisted skirt that has buttons on it, and black ankle booties. My heart is straightened, with light makeup, and red lips. I grab my school bag, my purse, and keys, and head down the stairs to grab breakfast.

I quickly eat a parfait my mom made for me, and head out of the house, with my brother Ashton following. He's fifteen and a sophomore this year. We get into my white Jeep Sahara, and head for the new school, with the address in my gps system.

"Are you ready for the new school?" Ashton questions, scrolling on his iPhone.

"Not really. But also, maybe people don't know dad too much yet. Maybe we can find some true friends this year." I tell him honestly, and he nods.

"Agreed. School to this point has been very unsuccessful in the friend department. Best of luck to us both." He says and I smile.

"Let me know today if you need anything, anything at all, okay? I know we're both new, but you're my little brother and I wanna make sure everything goes alright for you." I tell him as I pull into an empty parking space at our new school.

He nods, and we both get out of my Jeep. "I will. But, you do the same, even if I am your little brother. I'm still protective of you."

"I will." I smile, and we walk to the school building together, getting looks from other students. Either because they recognize us, or because we're the new kids. Or both. "Let's do this."

We step inside, and I feel eyes on us as we walk to our lockers, that are side by side. Since we had orientation a few days ago, I was able to get my locker set up the way I wanted, and I easily put my stuff inside. I slam my locker shut, and turn to face Ashton.

"Do you know where you're going?" I question him, slinging my school bag onto my shoulder.

"Yeah, but it's on the other side of the building, so I'm gonna go now." He says, and I nod, as he walks away.

Now, I just need to remember where my class is. I begin heading down a hallway, looking down at the map in my hands. As I turn a corner, I slam into a hard body, and fall on my ass, my bag flying and dumping my stuff everywhere.

"Shit." I mutter, and look up and am met with beautiful crystal blue eyes. My brain turns to goo, and I suddenly forget how to speak. I try to ask if he's okay and say I'm sorry, but it comes out as, "Are you sorry?"

He raises his eyebrows, and I realize what I said. I slap a hand over my mouth, feeling my face turn hot. "I-I... ugh.. shit. I mean... are you okay?" I blabber, feeling extremely embarrassed.

"I'm just fine, beautiful." He grins, making my heart beat faster.

"I'm so sorry. I was looking for my class.. and I wasn't paying attention, obviously. I'm really sorry." I say as he helps me up off the floor and we pick up my books.

"Really, it's fine." He says with a small smile. "What's your name? I haven't seen you around before."

"Oh, I'm Raelinn. I'm new here." I explain, happy someone didn't immediately recognize me.

"Grayson. Nice to meet you. Let me show you to your class." He offers.

"That would be great, thanks." I smile as we walk side by side together down the hallway.

"Where are you headed?" He questions, taking the schedule out of my hands. "Hm, English 12 with McRyan. Me too." He grins.

I smile back, happy to sort of know someone in my class. "Good to know."

We walk into the classroom, and I expect him to walk away and sit with his friends he probably has in this class, but instead, he sits down next to me. I look over at him, surprised, and he grins at me, making me smile back. "You don't have to sit there, you know. I'm just a stranger."

"This, darling, is how you make friends." He teases, making me laugh.

"Hm, I wouldn't know." I half tease, half honestly say back. It's true, I had friends in Dallas, but they weren't true friends. They all just wanted to get close to my dad.

"Well, now you will. Because, we're gonna be best friends." He winks, making me blush and smile.

"Then it only makes sense we swap numbers." I tease, and he hands me his phone. I type in my number with the name 'Rae' and hand it back to him. "My friends call me Rae." I grin.

"Alright, Rae. Let me see your phone." I hand him mine, then he hands it back. His number is in my phone, with the name 'Gray'. "And my friends call me Gray."

"Rae and Gray. We were meant to be besties." I say with a laugh. The teacher walks in, and out conversation ends there, other than a few random comments to each other throughout class.

I definitely didn't expect the first part of my first day to go as well as it did, and I definitely owe it all to Grayson.